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At long last, the Gophers are finally on the board for 2015. Breaking the ice can be hard, especially if you're shy.
Wait, what are we talking about here?
I'm very excited to announce my commitment to stay home and play for the University of Minnesota #Gophers #SkiUMah ????
— Bronson Dovich (@BronsonDovich) May 30, 2014
Thank you to everyone who has helped me turn this dream into a reality. Can't wait to be a Gopher ????
— Bronson Dovich (@BronsonDovich) May 30, 2014
Chaska (MN) offensive linemen Bronson Dovich committed to Minnesota this morning, becoming the first member of the Gopher 2015 recruiting class. Rated a 3 star prospect according to 247Sports' Industry Composite, Dovich is the 4th ranked prospect in the state of Minnesota. Bronson chose the Maroon and Gold over listed offers from Rutgers and South Dakota State.
Quotables
247Sports' Steve Wilfong with a quick commitment article (free):
"It's a dream come true. That's where I want to be 100% and it feels great"
Gopher247's Kyle Goblirsch after Bronson received his offer on May 20th($):
"I’ve been in Minnesota and my family has been in Minnesota. We’ve been rooting for the Gophers my whole life. It’s huge to get the home state offer. My parents were on the visit last week and they loved it, I loved it. This offer is huge."
This was not a recruitment destined to drag out.
(Likely Fraudulent) Measurables
Height: 6'5"-6'6"
Weight: 283-285 lbs.
Fake 40 Time: lolwhocares, right?
Highlights
Junior year, via Hudl
Thoughts
Bronson is merely the latest reinforcement that Matt Limegrover has brought to Minnesota in an effort to rebuild a bigger, tougher and more physical offensive line. Limegrover has signed only one linemen under 6'4" since he's been at Minnesota, with Dovich the 7th recruit to fit that bill. MANBALL is the strategy here, a theme that picks up right where it left off from the 2014 class.
If I were to put on my quick speculating cap, I'd venture to guess Dovich is a better fit at guard than left tackle, where he currently plays. He's good off the snap and moves his feet well, though he appears to have shorter arms which may force him inside, where length isn't as much an issue compared to the edges. Lateral mobility is good enough where he could play out at right tackle if the coaches determine that's the best spot for him. He plays physical and nasty, though - like most taller high school linemen - he can play too high and not generate as much leverage. Bronson reminds me a little of current Gopher Josh Campion back when the standout right tackle played for Fergus Falls.
Don't expect Dovich to come in and push for playing time right away, which is a good thing - as it generally is with offensive linemen. He'll get the chance to develop and put on additional mass over his first 2-3 years before hitting the field: exactly the way you'd expect his playing career to progress on a team with actual depth. On the sentimental side, landing in-state prospects is always important, especially one's who grew up rooting for the Gophers.